Our student-athletes are what make Georgia State so special. Our 'Where Are They Now Wednesday' segments feature former student-athletes from across all of our sports and not only look back on their accomplishments, but where they are now.
Leroy Davis' path to becoming a Panther had a couple detours before arriving at Georgia State, but his two seasons in the blue and white are still among the most memorable in program history. Davis was a part of the 2002 NIT squad that just missed out on back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Tournament. However, it has been his days after Georgia State that been even more remarkable. Approaching 40 years old, Davis is still playing professionally, and very well we may add, in Mexico, where he met the love of his life and is getting ready to have their second child together.
Talk a little bit about what you have been up to since finishing from Georgia State (work, sports, family)
I have had the chance to travel the world playing this beautiful game of basketball and I met the love of my life playing this game as well. I have been blessed to do what I love and to do it this long and be consistent and to still be able to play at a professional level to this day and is a true blessing. Not many guys are still able to play at this level with the same intensity and hunger for this long. I thank God each for every contract offer that I get as well as each day I get to step foot on the basketball court. I have been playing basketball professionally since I left Georgia State University and know that one day I want to finish my degree from Georgia State.
You have continued to play basketball all these years, including a very long stint in Mexico. What has the game meant to you?
I am married and have been married thirteen years. In February I will have been married to my beautiful wife Xochitl for fourteen years. Our family of three recently became four our new addition in early February, our baby boy. I have a 13-year-old son, Leroy IV, yes another Leroy...lol! I have played ball for a long time and here in Mexico I have been blessed to continue my career here. Mexico is a beautiful country with beautiful people and fans who love the game just as much as the players and coaches. The game has meant a great deal to me. It has brought me great joy and sorrow from missing birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, school plays, and the most missing family and family members passing away while you are gone trying to provide a living and chasing a dream, but those are the sacrifices you will have to make or will make being or becoming a professional athlete. It is part of the game.
How did your experience at GSU help you get to where you are now?
My experience at Georgia State helped me to learn how to adapt in different situations and to be able to carry myself like a gentleman.
You played under Hall of Fame coach Charles "Lefty" Driesell who just turned 90. Give us some of your best "Lefty" stories?
Yes, I did get the chance to play for Lefty hahaha! What good guy. A good guy he was and funny. A good Lefty story...let me see. Coach Driesell loved his players and coaches. He always made sure that we felt comfortable and he made sure to get the most out of us in practice. I remember when I tore my MCL and I did not have to have surgery. I was rehabbing like crazy to get back healthy and back on the court. Coach Driesell would tell me every day, 'Hey Leroy, you don't need that knee brace' and I would look at him and he would laugh and say 'It is all confidence you got it.' I remember when we were playing against UGA I got a steal and I was on the fast break and I got fouled but I missed the layup. I can remember punching the pad on the back of the goal and as soon as I punch the pad the buzzer went off and I was getting subbed out. I was confused and I get to the bench and Coach Driesell says 'Are you ok, are you in pain? I saw you were punching the pad.' I said I was upset because I missed the layup and he looked at me and smiled and said, 'I told you don't need that thing' referring to my knee brace.
You were a part of the first Georgia State team to go to the NIT. Talk a little bit about that experience.
The NIT, what can I say, we were a part of something, something big at least I thought so. I always wanted to play in the post season in college basketball and getting the chance to do so in the NIT was special. We didn't get the outcome we wanted, but we played our tails off. It was a great experience.
You came to Georgia State as a junior college transfer. What made GSU the right fit for you?
I came to GSU as a JUCO transfer but a Louisville transfer as well. I played junior college ball at Southern Union State Community College, a great program and even greater coach in Ron Radford. I owe a lot to Coach Radford. I came to GSU by way of Louisville. I signed a letter of intent to play my last two colligate seasons with U of L but when Coach Denny Crum resigned, I parted ways as well. I had quite a few big time offers come in after I parted ways with U of L, but Coach Crum stayed in contact with my family and I throughout the recruiting process and he spoke highly of Georgia State, so I came on a visit and that was all she wrote.
Do you still stay in touch with any of your teammates from back in the days?
It has been a long, long, time since I have seen my old brothers from GSU men's basketball team. I used to speak on occasion with Herman Favors but it has been a while since I have spoken with him or anyone else of that matter. I would love to get a chance to see everyone and just see how we all have grown and become men and fathers now and talk about all the old memories from the good old college days. That would be a blessing and a great time.
All these years later, is there something you wish you could go back and tell the college version of yourself?
If I could go back and tell the college version of myself anything it would be to slow down and be you and believe in yourself no matter what you feel anyone else thinks of you or your game. Play your game the way you know how to play and to buckle down in the books. Do your school work and to be confident and bet on yourself. Don't think that just because you feel sorry for yourself anyone else will. Trust God and know that His plan for you is for you and no one else and don't let other people's lack of confidence and insecurities rub off on you. God made you special for the plans that He has for you over your life.
